‘Terrible’ Nanny McFie rushes in to help – a warm, family‑friendly film that’s perfect for chilling out, lifting your spirits, and starring a fantastic Emma Thompson
add_circle Pros
- Emma Thompson delivers a delightfully witty performance that anchors the film.
- Family‑friendly storyline that’s easy for kids and adults to enjoy together.
- Short, 97‑minute runtime makes it perfect for a quick, uplifting watch.
- Warm, holiday‑ready vibe that lifts spirits without feeling forced.
- Solid production design and colorful visuals that bring the fantasy world to life.
- A cast of familiar British actors adds credibility and charm.
- Light‑hearted humor that lands without being over the top.
remove_circle Cons
- Predictable plot beats make the story feel a bit formulaic.
- Pacing dips in the middle, causing a brief lull before the climax.
- Some dialogue borders on cheesy, which can pull you out of the moment.
- Special effects show their 2005 age, lacking the polish of modern fantasy films.
- Character depth is limited; secondary roles don’t get much development.
- Not much for viewers seeking a gritty or complex narrative.
- Occasional sentimentality feels forced rather than earned.
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Editor's Summary
I gotta say, this 2005 fantasy with Emma Thompson feels like a warm blanket on a chilly night. The Brown family’s off‑beat adventures come with gentle jokes and heartfelt moments that make it a perfect, low‑key movie night, especially around the holidays. The cast clicks together nicely, and the 97‑minute run‑time keeps things breezy without dragging. Not gonna lie, the plot leans on familiar tropes and some of the dialogue can get a little cheesy, but the charm and solid production values make it a solid pick for families looking for a feel‑good flick.
Specifications
\nHey everyone, bonjour!
I’ve watched this movie a few times, and every time it pops up on TV I’m the first to hit play. It happened again just the other day. I wouldn’t say it’s my all‑time favorite childhood flick, but there’s something oddly charming about it. Around the holidays I swear these simple, beautiful movies belong on the screen.
Quick facts.
Release year – 2005.
Director – Kirk Jones.
Genre – fantasy.
Runtime – 97 minutes.
Starring: Colin Firth, Emma Thompson, Kelly Macdonald, Angela Lansbury, Imelda Staunton, Selia Imri, Thomas Sangster.
Plot rundown.
The Brown family was a picture‑perfect, happy bunch not too long ago.
Sedrick – the dad. Kind, gentle, loving… and those very traits end up biting him back.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHe’s got seven kids, each a completely different character, the youngest not even a year old.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNot long ago, Sedrick’s wife – the family’s matriarch – passed away, leaving the household orphaned. Both Mr. Brown and the kids are dealing with the loss in their own ways, but the grief is unmistakable. Sedrick can’t get used to her absence; he often talks to an empty chair, imagining she’s still there, spilling his day‑to‑day worries. Those “conversations” seem to help him cope.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEvangelina – the housekeeper and kitchen aide. She respects the patriarch, is deeply attached to the kids, loves them, and they return the affection, even if they don’t always listen. She’s kind‑hearted and forgives everything.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMrs. Blezervik – the cook, the complete opposite of Evangelina. She worships order, can’t stand the children, and keeps a running list of their mischief. Then again, the kids aren’t exactly saints themselves.
\n I learned that Mr. Brown runs his own funeral home, working nonstop to keep his family fed. After his wife passed, the whole nanny thing came up – someone to watch the kids. It makes sense to Cedric, but the kids? They hate nannies and chase them away at the first chance. Eventually, nobody in town wants to take the job; they’re scared because anyone who works there ends up a nervous wreck.
They live in a huge, gorgeous estate – sounds great, but it’s a pricey nightmare. Even with Mr. Brown’s hustle, the bills keep piling up.
His late wife’s well‑connected, wealthy aunt steps in to keep the place afloat. She’s high‑maintenance and used to getting her way.
When Aunt finds out Cedric can’t handle the kids and has driven every nanny away, she gives him an ultimatum: get married pronto or she pulls the financial support. Lose that, and the house gets repossessed, the kids end up in an orphanage – not exactly a happy ending. Cedric flat‑out refuses to rush into marriage. He’s still grieving, doesn’t want a hasty wedding, and hopes to find someone he truly clicks with. The kids don’t get it; they’re thrilled they’ve scared off every nanny and keep doing whatever they want.
He’s at his wit’s end – losing the house and the kids is unthinkable. No real prospects, except for one woman who’s already buried a few husbands and wouldn’t mind marrying Mr. Brown. She doesn’t want kids; she despises them. All she sees is a man with status, and she’s ready to play the part.
\n \n\n\n\n\n\nSedrick’s whole being rebels against this crass woman, but there’s no way out. Then, on a rainy day when our guy has finally resigned himself to his fate, a woman shows up at their doorstep—hardly a looker. She calls herself the state nanny McFee and tells Mr. Brown she can straighten out his misbehaving kids. He’s thrilled, yet skeptical that anyone can really re‑educate them.
\n \n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\nSo what’s next? Who’s this odd nanny and what secrets does she hide? Will the family head end up marrying a nasty step‑mom, or will he find true love? Can the kids shake her off, or will she take over and turn their world upside down? We’ll have to wait and see.
The film is pretty short and rolls in one sitting, feeling like a modern fairy‑tale. The director and cinematographer craft a distinct world that pulls you in and keeps you hooked.
\n \n\n\n\n\n\nVisually it’s a feast. First off, they shot on a gorgeous location. Then it’s summer, so the greenery pops. And the house décor is bright and vivid, adding that polished storybook vibe.
\n \n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\nIt’s a family‑friendly flick that works for grown‑ups and kids alike. The plot isn’t groundbreaking or ultra‑original, but it’s sweet, warm, and teaches a lesson. And thanks to the cast, the story lands as a nicely wrapped, funny ride.
\n \n\n\n\n\n\nAt its core it’s fantasy, even if the magic is light. The unusual nanny brings the mystical element. Watching the kids clash with the caregiver is entertaining—they each know their role and nail it.
\n\n\n\n\n\nThe humor is totally kid‑like, naive and at times a bit goofy, but somehow it clicks and doesn’t feel outright absurd. I’m pretty sure kids will love it. Sure, a few performers go a little over the top, but that’s exactly what the story calls for. I especially liked Imelda Staunton – I remember her as Dolores Umbridge in “Harry Potter” – she just fits these kinds of roles naturally. And Angela Lansbury was brilliant as the wealthy duchess.
\n\n\n\n\n\n The soundtrack stays in the background, and every melody mirrors what’s happening on screen, adding a nice layer to the visuals. It shows how thoughtfully the film was put together.
\n\n\n\n\n\nThe acting is top‑notch, and honestly, it’s a big reason the movie turned out the way it did.
Emma Thompson shines as nanny McFee. She spent almost the entire film under heavy makeup, but she never let it dominate her performance. She brought the character to life, and the surrounding décor only highlighted her talent.
\n\n\n\n\n\nColin Firth is in a role that’s not his usual cup of tea – a slightly eccentric family patriarch. The first time I watched it, I wasn’t sold, but after a while I either got used to it or he actually fit the part pretty well.
\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd the kid cast? Absolutely fantastic. Every youngster looks and behaves differently, which makes watching them a real treat. I can’t single anyone out – they all nailed their roles and feel completely natural.
\n\n\n\n\n\nBottom line: I’d love to see more movies like this. There’s a sequel, and it’s just as engaging as the first, even though it tells a different story.
\n\n\n\n\n\nFor Mrs TOG
Rating:
Kinopoisk – 7.
IMDb – 6.6.
That’s it from me—Natasha was on the line.
Let’s be a little reckless!
Catch you later, and good luck out there!